Gene-Edited Pig Kidney Kept US Man Off Dialysis for 9 Months Before He Received a Human Kidney
A gene-edited pig kidney kept Tim Andrews off dialysis for 271 days before he received a human donor kidney. The case offers a new look at how xenotransplantation could potentially help patients waiting for a human organ.
But the kidney eventually developed damage, and Andrews returned to dialysis before receiving his human transplant. So, how close are we to making pig kidneys a practical option?
Tim Andrews lived 271 days without dialysis after receiving a gene-edited pig kidney, before doctors replaced it with a human donor kidney.
The kidney started working immediately, but later developed blood-vessel damage, and Andrews returned to dialysis for 82 days before receiving his human transplant.
What makes this case particularly interesting is how the pig kidney served as a temporary bridge while he waited for a human organ.
Read the full article:
- What stands out to you most about Andrews’ case?
- Could a temporary pig kidney help patients waiting for a human transplant?
MBH/PS